Discharge nozzle for metallurgical ladle



May 11, 1965 K. w. OTT 3,182,360

DISCHARGE NOZZLE FOR METALLURGICAL LADLE Filed June 9, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 "M ii 36 INVENTOR KENNETH W. OTT

BY ATTOR EY w. OTT 3,182,360

DISCHARGE NOZZLE FOR METALLURGICAL LADLE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 1 1, 1965 Filed June 9, 1961 I I I l I INVENTOR KENNETH W. OTT

3,182,360 DISCHARGE NOZZLE FOR METALLURGICAL LADLE Kenneth W. Ott, 1122 29th St., Portsmouth, Ohio Filed June 9, 1961, Ser. No. 116,021 2 Claims. (Cl. 2284) This invention relates to metallurgical ladles such as are used in pouring molten steel into ingot molds, and more particularly to improved apparatus for controlling the discharge of the molten metal from the ladles. With the advent of much larger steel-making furnaces and heats and with the consequent much larger pouring ladles and the increased time required to empty the ladles, more and more difiiculty and expense is being encountered with the discharge or pouring control mechanism now commonly used on the ladles. In apparatus now commonly used for this purpose a refractory nozzle is secured in an aperture in the bottom plate and lining of the ladle which cooperates with a refractory rod-like assembly which is disposed vertically within the ladle and which carries at its lower end a refractory head which is operative, when the rod-like assembly is in lowermost position, to plug the inlet to the nozzle. This assembly comprises an inner steel rod lined with refractory sleeves which are suitably cemented together in end-to-end relation to keep the molten metal from contacting and attacking the steel rod. Even though this entire mechanism is entirely rebuilt for each heat by replacing the refractory nozzles and sleeves it is seldom that the ingot pouring of a large heat is completed without such deterioration of the mechanism as to cause leakage, obstruction, or other difliculty with the same. First, the extra time required'for the pouring of large heats results in more heat soaking of the metal rod, and secondly, the greater vertical height or length of the rod causes the same to bend more easily and thus to crack or spall the lining thereof.

It is the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved discharge or pouring control for a metallurgical ladle which overcomes the problem presently encountered in mechanisms now proposed and used for this function. First, I locate all the mechanism for the discharge or pouring control, including the metal parts thereof, on the exterior of the ladle so that the same cannot be subjected to excessive heating or warpage or other deleterious results caused by the substantial length of time that the molten steel remains in the ladle. Secondly, all the metal parts of the control are positioned a substantial distance from the path of discharge of the molten metal so that even though large tonnages are discharged during the pouring process the ambient continuouscooling of these metal parts substantially overcomes the absorption of heat from the molten steel being discharged, thus maintaining these metal parts in safe, cooled condition throughout successive pouring cycles.

It is accordingly a further object of the invention to provide an improved discharge or pouring control for a metallurgical ladle which is safer and more dependable in operation than structures now proposed and used for the same purpose. In this connection, the mechanism of my invention not only widely separates the metal parts of the structure from the molten metal but the design and configuration of the ceramic or refractory components which guides and controls the flow of the molten metal United States Patent 3,1823% Pat-tented May 11, 1965 is such that molten metal is prevented from being entrapped and from entering in between the interstices between the relative movable refractory components.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an improved discharge or pouring control for a metallurgical ladle which is much more economical to construct and maintain than devices heretofore used and proposed for the same function. Further, since all the mechanism is on the exterior of the ladle and is closely coupled the same may be quite quickly and cheaply repaired and/or reconstructed if and when the need for such maintenance is required.

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following specification and the acompanying drawing wherein there is disclosed a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary vertical section through the bottom end portion of a molten metal teeming ladle constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention;

FIGURES 2 and 3 are front and side elevations, respectively, of the refractory pouring control assembly of my invention; and

FIGURE 4 is an exploded view, in isometric section, of the assembly of FIGURES 2 and 3.

Referring first to FIGURE 1, reference numeral 10 designates the outer plate-like shell of the ladle which, in accordance with usual practice, is suitably lined with refractory brick 11. In the bottom wall of the shell 10 I provide an aperture 12 which, for the purpose to be described below, is rectangular in outlinebeing of the order of 6 by 8". Extending up through the aperture 12 is a unitary body 13 of hard fired refractory material having an upper block-like portion 14 terminating at its lower end at two ledges 15 and 16. Below these ledges is a plate portion 17, and below this portion 17 is an annular neck 18. In actual practice the horizontal dimensions of the block-like portion 14 are approximately 6" by 8" to slide up through the aperture 12 in the ladle shell while the plate-like portion 17 is about 6" square and the neck 18 is 6" in diameter.

From the above, it will be evident that the body member 13 may be inserted in the aperture 12 of the ladle from below and after the plate-like portion 17 is above the edges of the shell 19 the body member may be rotated and dropped back down to rest on the ledges 15 and 16 and with the plate-like portion 17 positioned directly within the aperture 12. In this manner the body member 13 is safely supported in the ladle and is accurately oriented as regards its rotational position about a vertical axis. To further secure the body member 13 in the ladle a split retaining collar 19 is fitted about the neck 18 and is detachably secured to the metal plate of the ladle shell 10 by suitable bolts, for example. It should be observed that the vertical dimension of the plate-like portion 17 of the body member 13 is approximately equal to the thickness of the metal plate of the ladle shell 10.

Body member 13 is formed with a centrally disposed vertical thru-bore 20 which terminates at its bottom end at a groove 21 formed in the bottom wall of the body member 13 and extending inwardly from one side face thereof. This bottom wall and the groove 21 are inclined to the horizontal as shown in FIGURE 3, and the groove is dovetailed in cross section as shown in FIG- URES 2 and 4. Slidably received in the groove 21 and retained therein by the dovetailed shape of the groove is a refractory. block or valve 22 which is arranged to be actuated by a movable carrier indicated generally by the reference numeral 23 and which will now be described.

Carrier 23 is an integral irregularly-shaped block of hard fired refractory material and, first, its upper surface is so formed as to complement in a sliding manner the bottom surface of the body member 13. Note FIGURE 2. This top surface is further provided with a recess 24. I

which snugly receives an integral downward extension 22' of the valve 22. It should be noted that the top surface of the carrier 23 which forms the aforesaid complementary sliding surfaces is grooved inwardly from one side face to an inclined back wall 25 which is arranged to contact an inclined surface 26 on the bottom portion of the body member 13 and thus provide means to limit sliding movement of the carrier 23 in one direction with respect to the body member 13. Carrier 23 is formed with a vertical thru-bore 27 which is arranged to be aligned with the bore of the body member 13 when the parts are so relatively positioned that the surface is in contact with the surface 26. At this time and as shown in dotted outline in FIGURE 4 the inner end of the valve 22 lies along one side of the combined bore through the parts 13 and 23 and, in fact, this inner face of the valve forms a portion of the side wall of the bore.

As shown in FIGURE 4, the inner end face of the dovetailed slot 21 in the body member 13 is flat but so angled with respect to the inner face of valve 22 that when the carrier 23 with the valve 22 secured thereto is moved to the right as viewedin this figure the flat end face of the valve 22 will seal thereagainst only along its upper edge. For so securing the valve 22 aligned bores 28 and 29 are formed in the carrier 23 and valve 22, respectively, to slidably receive a locking pin which is shown in dotted outline at 30 in FIGURE 2. It should also be noted that upon the carrier 23 being moved to the right as viewed in FIGURE 4-that the upper surface of the valve 22 tice it is a simple operation to replace the valve 22 as needed. It is only necessary to withdraw. the pin 30. to slide out and replace the valve part 22.. I

' The carrier 23 is slidably mounted on a track compris-' ing a pair of spaced parallel rails 31 which engage stepped surfaces 32 formed on the side Walls' of the carrier. As shown .in FIGURES 3 and 4, the surfaces 32 extend exactly parallel with the groove 21 in the'body member 13 so that the valve member 22 may slide freely in this groove upon the carrier 23 being actuated. Consequently the rails 31 are similarly inclined as shown in FIGURE 1. Rails 31 are'carried at their ends by brackets 32 and 33 which are adjustably mounted on frame members 34 i and 35 depending from the-ladle shell "10". Suitable means, such as the hand crank 36 having a threaded shank interconnection with the frame member 35 .and being connected at its inner end to the carrier 23, may be provided to slidably move the carrier along the ways 31. The brackets 32 and 3 3 are so adjusted vertically that the upper surfaces of the carrier 23 and the valve block 22 have a snug sliding fit' with the downwardly downwardly toward this sharp edge.

The angular intersection between the flat inner end of the groove 21 and the surface 26 of the body member 13 forms a sharp dependingedge which tends to release and drop any particles of molten metal which may remain on the flat end surface of the groove 21 upon closing of the valve. Further, as stated above, the action of the interengagement between the inner end face of the valve 22 and the inner end wall of the slot 21 is such as to pinch. of? the metal at the top ofthe slot and to force the'excess Because of this there is no tendency .of molten metal to remain in the valve to become sticky or otherwise to interfere with the proper operation of the assembly.

It should now be apparent that I have provided improved apparatus for controlling the discharge of molten metal from ladles which accomplishes the objects initially set out. The parts of, the control valve which come anywhere near molten metal are all formed of heavy refractory sections well able to withstand high heat and lengthy teeming periods. The part of the control which shears 0d the downwardly flowing stream of metal to stop the flow and thus is subjected to the most severe conditions of service is a replaceable element which may be readily renewedwithout major disassembly of the apparatus. Further, the apparatus does not require the presence of any. parts within theladleexcept the ruggedblock 14 of the refractory body; member 13 which is entirely adequate to resist the heat of the charge. In normal operation or when the flow of metal is stopped all the metal is contained in the unitary refractory body member 13 or in the ladle itself so that there is no probability of dangerous leakage or breakouts, Lastly, since the ap paratus may be installed and serviced entirely from outside the ladle it is possible to perform these operations without waiting an excessive time :for the large ladle to cool.

, It is obvious that many changes may be made in the illustrated and above described embodiment of my invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Reference should thereforebe hadto the appended claims in determining the scope of my invention.

I claim: I V

1. A valved discharge nozzle for a metallurgical ladle comprising a first refractory member adapted to be positioned and retained in the bottom wall of the lladle and having a centrally disposed vertical bore therethrough,

the bottom end portion of said first member having a block having aflatinner end and thelower portion of said bore having a flatside wall facing said inner end of said block and being angularly disposed with respectto the plane of the inner end of said block whereby said here isclosed off by the' upper edge of the block engaging said angularly disposed fiat side .wall, the: upper portion of said first refractory member'- being rectangular in horizontal plan so asto be insertablefrom below 'in a rectangular opening in the bottom wall of said ladle, and

exposed surfaces of the body member 13. This enables the valve to close tightly even after c'onsiderableservice since wear of the parts may be compensa'tedffor by'adiusting the brackets 32? and 33 upwardly as required.

said upper portion of said first refractory member having an annular neck immediately below said rectangular portion so that upon said first refractory member being inserted in said opening in the ladle bottom wall itmay be rotated and be-thus supported von said bottom wall.

comprising a first refractory member adapted to be positioned and retainedin the bottom wallof the ladle and I having a centrally disposed vertical bore therethrough, the

2; .A valved discharge nozzle for a metallurgicalladle U wardly opening groove therein extending in upwardly inclined direction from the lower end of said bore to a side wall of said first member, a second refractory member mounted for sliding movement in said upwardly inclined direction parallel with the upper wall of said 5 and said valve block being also dovetailed in cross section complementary to the cross section of said groove so as to interfit therewith.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 506,328 10/93 Morris 2284 2,791,814 5/57 Villela 2284 2,968,075 1/61 Flickinger et a1 2284 WILLIAM J. STEPHENSON, Primary Examiner.

MARCUS U. LYONS, MICHAEL V. BRINDISI,

Examiners. 

1. A VALVED DISCHARGE NOZZLE FOR A METALLURGICAL LADLE COMPRISING A FIRST REFRACTORY MEMBER ADAPTED TO BE POSITIONED AND RETAINED IN THE BOTTOM WALL OF THE LADLE AND HAVING A CENTRALLY DISPOSED VERTICAL BORE THERETHROUGH, THE BOTTOM END PORTION OF SAID FIRST MEMBER HAVING A DOWNWARDYL OPENING GROOVE THEREIN EXTENDING IN UPWARDLY INCLINED DIRECTION FORM THE LOWER END OF SAID BORE TO A SIDE WALL OF SAID FIRST MEMBER, A SECOND REFRACTORY MEMBER MOUNTED FOR SLIDING MOVEMENT IN SAID UPWARDLY INCLINED DIRECTION PARALLEL WITH THE UPPER WALL OF SAID GROOVE AND CARRYING A REFRACTORY VALVE BLOCK RECEIVED IN SAID GROOVE AND SLIDEABLE ALONG SAID UPPER WALL, SAID BLOCK HAVING A FLAT INNER END AND THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID BORE HAVING A FLAT SIDE WALL FACING SAID INNER END OF SAID BLOCK AND BEING ANGULARLY DISPOSED WITH RESPECT TO THE PLANE OF THE INNER END OF SAID BLOCK WHEREBY SAID BORE IS CLOSED OFF BY THE UPPER EDGE OF THE BLOCK ENGAGING SAID ANGULARLY DISPOXED FLAT SIDE WALL, THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID FIRST REFRACTORY MEMBER BEING RECTANGULAR IN HORIZONTAL PLAN SO AS TO BE INSERTABLE FROM BELOW IN A RECTANGULAR OPENING IN THE BOTTOM WALL OF SAID LADLE, AND SAID UPPER PORTION OF SAID FIRST REFRACTORY MEMBER HAVING AN ANNULAR NECK IMMEDIATELY BELOW SAID RECTANGULAR PORTION SO THAT UPON SIAD FIRST REFRACTORY MEMBER BEING INSERTED IN SAID OPENING IN THELADLE BOTTOM WALL IT MAY BE ROTATED 90* AND BE THUS SUPPORTED ON SAID BOTTOM WALL. 